La Casa de Don Pedro was scheduled to come to my home at 9:30am to perform a weatherization inspection. At 9:29 they pulled up in front of my house, and by the time they parked the van and started walking to my front door it was 9:30am on the nose. I was greeted by two pleasant young men who immediately introduced themselves, provided their identification, explained the purpose of their visit, what they hoped to accomplish and what I could expect.
They performed tests on the furnace, hot water heater, window seals and the house foundation. The inspection included drilling a hole in a wall to determine if the walls were insulated, checking the manufacturer dates, makes and models of my refrigerator, furnace and hot water heater. The same day they installed weather stripping, energy efficient light bulbs, and CO2 detectors.
Upon the completion of my home inspection, I was provided a laundry list of next steps which included replacing my hot water heater, refrigerator and a window and installing insulation in the walls of my first and 2nd floor. The process was explained in detail, the expectations were reviewed and timelines walked through before they left. My questions were answered and I was able to make copies of all docs that I signed giving them permission to perform the various inspections. They swept up behind themselves and removed any debris they created. Yes, I was impressed.
Two hours after they left the 1st plumber called to make an appointment to come to my home to inspect the hot water heater job. Three hours later the 2nd plumber came to my home to inspect the hot water heater job. This job as it had been explained to me by La Casa de Don Pedro had been put up for bid.
The next day, that's right the next day, the plumber called at 8am and arrived at 9am sharp to install my new energy efficient 40 gallon hot water heater. My hot water heater upgrade included new copper piping, an auto feed from the hot water heater to the furnace (I no longer will have to manually add water to the furnace when the water is low), a new low water shut of switch on the furnace and the installation of a new digital thermostat in my dining room.
In the weeks to come I will be contacted by the window and insulation contractors and either Sears or Lowes regarding my new energy efficient refrigerator (yes the same size as I currently have).
I spent a few minutes speaking with the plumber that installed the hot water heater (you know me, forever inquisitive), he shared a bit of his story of what it has been like for him and his business trying to weather through these difficult economic times. He said he is very grateful for the stimulus programs that Obama has in place. He has been able to hire back 5 of his laid off workers due to the ARRA (stimulus package) and added that 80% of his business now comes from the ARRA.
All of these upgrades and replacements are FREE to me, my tax dollars being put to work. I love my president!
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